It looks like Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone will have to prove himself one more time before potentially fighting for the lightweight belt. Following his impressive victory over Al Iaquinta at UFC Fight Night 151 last weekend, Cowboy said he was looking to fight the winner of Khabib Nurmagomedov-Dustin Poirier, or Conor McGregor. It doesn't look like he'll get either as the UFC is nearing a deal on a bout between Cerrone and fellow lightweight contendor Tony Ferguson.
According to ESPN sources, the fight will take place at UFC 238 on June 8 in Chicago. The 155-pound bout reportedly is "nearly official, although contracts have not yet been signed."
Cerrone is coming off one of the biggest wins of his career and has set himself up for a nice title run. Previously ranked No. 10 in the division, his win over Iaquinta moved him up to No. 4 in the rankings. Still ahead of him is Conor McGregor (No. 3) and Tony Ferguson (No. 2). While McGregor would've been a better payday, a win over Ferguson will most certainly guarantee the opportunity at the title.
Tony Ferguson was initially in line to fight Khabib Nurmagomedov for the lightweight championship in April 2018, but was forced to withdraw due to a knee injury. He was then offered the chance to fight Max Holloway in April for the interim lightweight belt, but Ferguson was unavailable due to personal issues.
Dustin Poirier took his spot and defeated Max Holloway at UFC 236 by unanimous decision. Poirier is now expected to face Khabib Nurmagomedov in September at UFC 242 to unify the two belts. The winner of that fight should face the winner of Cerrone-Ferguson further down the line. No one knows what's going on with Conor McGregor at this point, but you figure he'll need at tune-up match before squaring off against the best in the division.